Tax reallocation provides more funding for Washington state airports

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee recently signed the Transportation Appropriations Bill (Senate Bill 5988), which includes language to reallocate 100% of the existing annual state excise tax fees for aircraft to fund airport projects. Previously, 90% of aircraft excise tax funds were deposited into the General Fund, with only 10% percent going into the Aeronautics Account toward aviation.

The change, which reallocates existing funds without increasing the aircraft excise tax, was championed by Senator Steve Hobbs and Representative Tom Dent.

“Our state’s small airports keep our communities connected,” said Hobbs. “Unfortunately they are often overlooked. The intention of this bill is to fix that and ensure small airports have access to funding that will allow them to keep their passengers safe and their facilities up to date.”